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Summary of the impact

Until recently, prenatal diagnosis of genetic conditions required
analysis of fetal genetic material obtained following invasive testing,
with a risk of miscarriage. Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) using
cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma has transformed prenatal diagnosis
for many women. Testing the maternal blood sample avoids the miscarriage
risk. At UCL, we have led the implementation into clinical practice of
NIPD for serious sex-linked and autosomal dominant disorders. After a
successful application for UK Gene Testing Network (UKGTN) Gene Dossier
approval for fetal sex determination in 2011, this is now the standard of
care across the UK.

Submitting Institution

University College London

Unit of Assessment

Clinical Medicine

Summary Impact Type

Health

Research Subject Area(s)

Summary of the impact

Research conducted at the University of Cambridge under an EPSRC grant
between 1999 and 2002 established the viability of using microwave induced
pyrolysis as a process for recovering clean, elemental aluminium and
hydrocarbon liquids and gases from waste laminate packaging, thus
preventing the need to send this material to landfill. The research has
been commercialised by Enval Limited — a multi-award-winning University
spin-off founded in 2006 that has attracted approximately £2M funding
during the REF period and employs 7 people. A pilot scale unit has been
operational since 2011, and the first commercial-scale unit has been
constructed and has operated since April 2013.

Submitting Institution

University of Cambridge

Unit of Assessment

Aeronautical, Mechanical, Chemical and Manufacturing Engineering

Summary Impact Type

Technological

Research Subject Area(s)

Summary of the impact

The pioneering research carried out by Brookes' Movement Science Group
(under the umbrella of the Centre for Rehabilitation) into the barriers
and benefits of safe community led exercise for people with long-term
neurological conditions, has significantly improved quality of life for
many sufferers. Their research has raised awareness amongst healthcare and
fitness professionals, and led to specific measures being put in place to
facilitate and encourage exercise. These measures include the development
of: clinical exercise and rehabilitation units, web-based physical
activity support system, national occupational standards, and the only
level 4 accredited exercise training course in the UK. The research has
also led to the establishment of a registered charity that aims to
increase exercise participation of people with long-term neurological
conditions across the UK.

Submitting Institution

Oxford Brookes University

Unit of Assessment

Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy

Summary Impact Type

Health

Research Subject Area(s)

Summary of the impact

Peter Gaunt's extensive research explores local and national histories of
Oliver Cromwell, one of Britain's most important national figures. While
Cromwell tends to be remembered in a national context, the English civil
war itself also had a dramatic effect on the people and landscapes of
England and Wales as a whole. Communities were torn asunder, buildings
destroyed and some 200,000 people lost their lives. But often little of
this is known at a local level, so, through a range of activities, Gaunt
has shared his findings with the most diverse of audiences, enabling
people to rethink and reassess Cromwell and the Civil War's local impact
in a new focused way.